Match day thread 19/09/15

[FGRJC]

Still sulking, sheep lover.

Oh god another 15 year old Internet warrior on this site...

 

[Si Robin]

He's not 15, but he is an internet warrior.

As for us, a family get together meant I couldn't even make the radio today, so following it on Twitter was murder. My lift to FGR got cancelled so I was actually considering selling my ticket to a mate at work. After that result and FGR's, wild dogs won't keep me away.

It's really hard not to get carried away at the moment. 6 wins in our last 7, naivety being the reason for that one defeat, never knowing when we're beat and more often than not just generally being more professional in our approach. We may come across as mediocre, but by the same token we're standing up to every kind of opponent. Our young lads are not being bullied, and the experienced heads aren't being pulled left, right and centre.

Even if we don't even make the playoffs, this season has been a million times better than any of the last 3 seasons, one of which we actually made the League Two playoffs. Football is enjoyable again, and I can't wait for the next game I go to. It's like I'm 15/16 again when we first got into the Football League. Long may it continue.

 

[Jemfy]

Big game in the Southern League Division 1 Central tomorrow as AFCR&D take on Aylesbury FC, who are known as "the moles" according to Wikipedia, despite having a duck/swan on their badge... possibly to help distinguish between them and Aylsebury United who are of course "the ducks".

It's a big game as Aylsebury FC finished 3rd in the division last season, and occupy the same position in the (currently meaningless) table. If we're going to do anything of note this season, then this will be a game to show it.

Diamonds have also started well, mostly not quite playing to the level that this squad can, at least in my opinion. Now we need to perform in a big game. Before another FA Cup match next week it's a good opportunity to really challenge ourselves in the league, and try to put some points on the board. Hopefully Aylesbury will be interested in playing football rather than the normal weekly game of "kick Claudiu"

We won! 1-0!

Not a classic game, but a decent performance. We controlled the game for the first quarter and they slowly came back in to it through the first half. We got the goal in the opening period, but in truth could have gone in to the break by far more. In the second half they threatened without creating too many chances of note. We had a few good shots saved well by a good 'keeper. Workman like performance which the lads will probably be feeling all week, but it gets us through.

On this weeks episode of "Kick Claudiu" is Aylesbury's 11, and 9. The 9 was lucky to avoid a second booking after a shove earlier on a different player (Quigley) had put him on thin ice early in the game, but he lasted until he was eventually subbed in the second half. The lunging tackle he put in on Claudiu Hoban should have been enough to see him off. Also earning a card was the number 11 who took him down from behind very cynically in our own half as we tried to break from a corner. Next week we see how Deeping Rangers of the UCL decide to "Kick Claudiu" (tm) in the FA Cup.

 

[EnglishRed]

Bit touchy in Cheltenham aren't they?

Ok. Cheltenham, that famous team with their glittering history and massive crowds will sweep to victory. Winning the league with a records point score by March at the latest. They are just that good.

Edit: My comment about you being mediocre comes from watching you play once (so you may have improved) and a bit of knowledge of some of your players. You are a solid team with some decent players and from the looks of the league you will be one of half a dozen teams who should be challenging come the end of the season. If you beat FGR and go top it would just surprise me. That's all.

 

[Tom Fgr]

Cheltenham only got 400 more than us at home last. Not the gulf there used to be.

On another subject, can't help but feel sorry for Torquay. A club that should be challenging in this league, losing 7-3 to bromley is awful. They need to appoint a experienced conference manager, who will guide them through this season and rebuild in the summer.

Woking fans.. what did you make of cheltenham? As mediocre as everyone is saying or genuine title contenders?

 

[DarkSithLord]

Alfreton had a number 9 at the back today, totally unnaceptable.

Why? Yes Our numbers are all the over the place. Dont see it as a major crime?

 

[Cardsfan]

Cheltenham only got 400 more than us at home last. Not the gulf there used to be.

On another subject, can't help but feel sorry for Torquay. A club that should be challenging in this league, losing 7-3 to bromley is awful. They need to appoint a experienced conference manager, who will guide them through this season and rebuild in the summer.

Woking fans.. what did you make of cheltenham? As mediocre as everyone is saying or genuine title contenders?

I thought they looked good, defended well and pressed us very high which disrupted our passing game and resulted in countless long balls along with a general lack of threat from out attack throughout the game (not helped by injuries though of course). Threatening going forward too, Amari-Smith and Wright are an excellent pair for this level. That being said, there wasn't that large a gulf between the sides and I wouldn't say they stood out particularly as a class above like you normally get with title-winners in this league, but I still think they'll be play-offs at least come May.

 

[The_Boss]

Fairly confident we can bounce back, we didn't play too badly at Woking and I doubt Macc will be as good as they were.

Awkward........

 

[Chris FGR]

I do feel a bit of a tit tbh.

I felt confident for a change, and thought we'd bounce back strongly. Instead we got thumped.

Oh well, pessimism it is from now on. Expect another hammering on Tuesday, and Saturday and the Saturday after.

 

[Jemfy]

Cheltenham only got 400 more than us at home last. Not the gulf there used to be.

On another subject, can't help but feel sorry for Torquay. A club that should be challenging in this league, losing 7-3 to bromley is awful. They need to appoint a experienced conference manager, who will guide them through this season and rebuild in the summer.

Woking fans.. what did you make of cheltenham? As mediocre as everyone is saying or genuine title contenders?

Why are Torquay a club that should be challenging for the league?...

 

[DarkSithLord]

Stockport 1 (Ellison 3) Afreton 0

Well no complaints from me about todays result

The Team Bus arrived late and that told right from start as Tom Allan made an error that lead to the Corner that Ellison scored from. Our start then set the tone as a I think a lot of our squad where overawed with the occassion and stadium.
Was very surprised he didnt start with Thanoj in midfield. Someone who would be comfortable in the surroundings

I thought we were very fortunate to not lose by more today too. Your Number 10 impressed and never stopped running all day

I thought Stockport were very solid at the back and restricted us to pretty much nothing. You did panic in the final 5 minutes when we applied some real pressure with a succession of late corners but by then it was too late.

AsI say we never really got going today. Got a feeling we are going to have to up our game at Tamworth next week in the FA Cup as they are still unbeaten after 11 games.

 

[Sparrow]

The Team Bus arrived late

Did it breakdown like usual?

 

[DarkSithLord]

And what a excellent job Danny Cawley looks to be doing at Braintree. Thought they would struggle with the loss of Alan Devonshire but if anything he seems tno have improved them. Iron fans must be very impressed with him

 

[DarkSithLord]

Did it breakdown like usual?

No. We have changed company. Its not broken down for a while. They just went via the Motorway and got caught in traffic, instead of going the easier way over the Derbyshire peaks.

 

[Gashead]

#MaccMachine2016

FGR - Cheltenham suddenly looking important. Bad days for my favourites in the league though, Kiddy and Torquay.

 

[Chris FGR]

It sums up your day when your keeper, who made an absolute howler to concede the equaliser, gets awarded motm.

 

[EnglishRed]

Danny Wright on form is a real handful at this level. Unfortunately for him he's usually got an injury awaiting just around the corner. Morgan Smith has always looked a bit shit when I've seen him before for Luton/Kiddie/Macc etc. Flattering to deceive. This season he has looked a different player.

 

[GodsGift]

Why? Yes Our numbers are all the over the place. Dont see it as a major crime?

Oh, it is. It's a crime against football.

 

[Boz]

There seems to be a lot of chicken counting before the eggshells are even broken on here atm.

Hubris is a wonderful thing.

 

[Si Robin]

Danny Wright on form is a real handful at this level. Unfortunately for him he's usually got an injury awaiting just around the corner. Morgan Smith has always looked a bit shit when I've seen him before for Luton/Kiddie/Macc etc. Flattering to deceive. This season he has looked a different player.

Wright is exactly what we've been missing for the last few years, a lump who bullies defenders and won't give up on anything. On a number of occasions this season he has been literally running on adrenaline alone come the end of the game (Wrexham being one of those games). He misses chances you would expect him to score from, but he more than makes up for it with his desire and persistence. Fast becoming my favourite player.

 

[Harrier94]

Why? Yes Our numbers are all the over the place. Dont see it as a major crime?

I'm on his side. That is a major crime.

 

[FGRJC]

Wright is exactly what we've been missing for the last few years, a lump who bullies defenders and won't give up on anything. On a number of occasions this season he has been literally running on adrenaline alone come the end of the game (Wrexham being one of those games). He misses chances you would expect him to score from, but he more than makes up for it with his desire and persistence. Fast becoming my favourite player.

Why didn't we get that Danny Wright

 

[Si Robin]

I've said it elsewhere but this team would absolutely batter the bunch of wasters we had playing at Whaddon Road last season (and I don't mean Gloucester City). Danny Wright especially would have an absolute field day against Troy Brown and Jack Deaman/Matt Taylor.

 

[EnglishRed]

Why didn't we get that Danny Wright

The weird thing is that when you lured him away from us that was exactly the Danny Wright he was. He was immense for us that season.

Must not like vegan food

 

[Tom Fgr]

Why are Torquay a club that should be challenging for the league?...

My personal opinion. They dropped from league two, have a good fan base, good stadium and had a fairly decent team last year. I also said challenging in the league, that doesn't mean winning the title. It means not getting battered 7-3.

 

[FGRJC]

The weird thing is that when you lured him away from us that was exactly the Danny Wright he was. He was immense for us that season.

Must not like vegan food

Or just mis managed which wouldn't surprise me at all! One thing I compliment him on is his work rate, I'm glad he's succeeding else where as he did seem like a "top bloke"

 

[FGRJC]

My personal opinion. They dropped from league two, have a good fan base, good stadium and had a fairly decent team last year. I also said challenging in the league, that doesn't mean winning the title. It means not getting battered 7-3.

We're running for the title and got beat by part time Macclesfield, fair play to them for making us look like a mid table side!

 

[slaphead]

Feel like we gifted Aldershot the 3 points today. They were okay but never really offered a lot - and somehow came away with three goals.
Played them off the park for the first 45 and then about an hour in our keeper let one through him and everyone gave up. Well, resorted to long balls down the channel to chase.
Thought Beckles was the best defender I've seen for a while, but Brodie continues to be shite against Barrow.
Will have to be much better on Tuesday to avoid defeat against a buoyant Macc.

Not sure about played off the park first half, given out keeper didn't have a shot to save. I thought the first half was equally balanced in both teams played horrible shite hoofball up the middle of the pitch. I though we were the better team second half when we decided to get the ball wide, and Dan Walker coming on changed the game in our favour, the Barrow fullback couldn't handle his movement and strength.

All in all, a good day out, nice little club is Barrow and the locals were very friendly and with 3 points well worth the 650 mile round trip. Can't see either team threatening either end of the table, so I'll look forward to my visit next season.

 

[Luke Imp]

We're running for the title and got beat by part time Macclesfield, fair play to them for making us look like a mid table side!

Macc aren't PT.

 

[The_Boss]

As has been said many times already, we're not part time!!!